Every fall, freshmen head off to begin their college careers. This is an exciting time for everyone, but freshmen bear the burden of adjusting to life away from home, familiar friends, and surroundings they are comfortable with. There are lots of ways to make this transition more comfortable for everyone. It will ensure that pleasant memories are made even if a little bit of stress is felt. It is normal to be anxious, but you do not want to feel miserable and ready to head home at the end of the first semester. The first thing parents should help their children with is making sure the vehicle the freshman will take with them is in good repair. A brake repair Orlando shop or car repair Orlando service can help. However, if parents will be driving and dropping off their kids at school because vehicles are not allowed for freshman, it is still a good idea to have things checked out before the journey begins.
Next, understand your dorm room is going to be dark, dingy, and boring. There is no reason to live this way though, so shop for brightly colored room décor that will help you feel at home. This is a chance to create a space that is totally yours and if you have a roommate, the two of you can put your heads together and create a stylish, fabulous room. Consider purchasing colorful bedding and curtains, rugs to cover the cold, dingy flooring, and desk supplies that will leave you feeling prepared to study.
When decorating your room, do your best to bring a feeling of home to the space. Photos of family and high school friends will go a long way in preventing homesickness. However, you will want to make sure you are not avoiding your new life by focusing too much on the old one. It may be tough to be social and assertive, but it will be worth it. Relax and make yourself open to new experiences.
Parents should provide an emergency fund in case there is a problem. While you may not want to open a credit card account and give your kid free reign, there should be an emergency plan. If you are concerned you can put some money on a prepaid card they can use in an emergency. Online payment services also give you the ability to transfer money to your kid.
Remember it is easy for freshman to lose track of what they are eating when their schedules change so drastically. Students may shy away from the campus cafeteria and it is easy to order a pizza with friends during an all night study sessions. Keep your dorm room stocked with healthy snacks to avoid the dreaded “freshman fifteen” weight gain.
